More surprising are the kits for sewing 3D childrenís books, the seven-page newsletter full of classes (one on sewing machine software), the high-tech sewing machines themselves that come with interchangeable faceplates similar to your smartphone case.

People donít sew ó or quilt or embroider ó to save money anymore, Munnell says. They do it for the stress relief or the joy of creating something handmade.

The occasionally seamstress is looking for a better fit from clothing.

And plenty of super-moms want to hand-craft their baby blankets or personalize other kiddie clothing.

So the demand for sewing supplies is not waning, Munnell says.

Attesting to that is her new 8,000 square feet of retail space on South Church Street in Lowell. With storage, the kidsí playroom, the 100-seater classroom and the service department for sewing machines, itís more than double the size of the Sew Much Fun! location formerly at Franklin Square.

ďWe found we were becoming a destination location for many people,Ē she says.

Sew Much Fun! is still near Franklin Square and the shoppers it attracts, but the new spot beside Interstate 85, along with a sign visible to the traffic there, has proved valuable, the owner says.

Munnell bought the building in June. It was originally designed to house four different stores or offices, but she had the dividing walls removed. She also installed all-new windows to help protect her fabric from the sunís rays.

In the coming months, Sew Much Fun! will host a grand reopening. On Nov. 17, Munnell will also welcome Amanda Murphy, a Charlotte fabric and pattern designer who Munnell says is a celebrity in sewing circles, to show off her creations.